Developing a mind–body exercise programme for stressed children

Objective:To describe the process of developing a Health Qigong programme for stressed children using a formative evaluation approach.Methods:A multi-step formative evaluation method was utilised. These steps included (1) identifying programme content and drafting the curriculum, (2) synthesising effective and age-appropriate pedagogies, (3) consulting an expert panel, (4) teaching pilot lessons and soliciting feedback from students and (5) revising and finalising the programme.Results:A total of 16 theme-based lessons were generated in order to help children manage stress by imitating interesting plants and animals, such as sunflowers, pine trees, white cranes, tigers, sleeping lions and deer. Five age-appropriate teaching strategies were synthesised to make the programme fun and enjoyable for children. These included (1) using theme-based lesson plans, (2) building mind–body connections, (3) balancing repetition and creativity, (4) interweaving pictures, stories, volunteers and teamwork and (5) involvin...